The Curious Incident of the Dog In the Night-time

Haddon, Mark. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. New York: Vintage Books, 2003.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time tells the story of Christopher, a fifteen-year old boy with Asperger’s Syndrome who happens upon a mysteriously dead dog. In the process of solving the mystery he finds mysteries in his own life that, when explained, cause major changes in his life. Christopher solves the mystery by prying into the lives of his neighbors, much to his father’s dismay. His prodding induces one chatty neighbor to reveal a truth that prompts further investigation, leading ultimately to Christopher angering his father and running away from home. He braves the London Underground and the unknown to escape to safety, encounters all kinds of terrifying people and places, and ultimately ends up learning that forgiveness and trust are ultimately important in leading a successful life.

By using Christopher as the narrator, the novel gives the reader a glimpse into the life of a boy with Asperger’s, something that is not typically seen in literature about persons with disabilities. The book is able to explore the quirks and behaviors that are typically exhibited by people with Asperger’s, offering insight and explanations for those who are outsiders to the community through Christopher. Written very matter-of-factly, Christopher presents his life in a straightforward manner, allowing the reader to make their own judgments about this character.

As a piece of diverse, multicultural literature, this book offers a unique perspective of a child with Asperger's. It is difficult to judge the accuracy of the text, however, it is extremely interesting. Written with compassion, Christopher is a complex character that deals with the world at his own pace. This book deals with many of the issues that families with disabilities encounter, and it is a quality piece to include in a library.